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World History |
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1. MENACHIM BEGIN (1913-1992). | ||
| Israeli patriot, Prime Minister of Israel, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 1978. Typed letter on Hebrew Israeli stationery, to an American supporter. Among other things, Begin promises he will see to it that “no Munich like surrender takes place in the Middle-East.” Signed as Prime Minister, dated 1974. In English. $890.00 | |||
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2. DAVID BEN-GURION (1886-1973). | ||
| Israeli statesman, First Prime Minister of Israel, declared Israeli independence in 1948. Typed letter on official letterhead, dated September 6, 1953. In Hebrew, untranslated. Signed by Ben Gurion as Prime Minister. $725.00 | |||
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3. (BRITISH ARMY IN AMERICA). | ||
| Original manuscript sight-draft for an ensign. Handwritten sight-draft for £9.3.0 for the subsistence of Ensign John Mill of the 2nd Royal American Battalion, one of the few British regiments raised and based in North America. Dated Christmas Day, 1766, at New York and signed by Mill. Very scarce. $590.00 | |||
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4. LORD CASTLEREAGH (1769-1822). | ||
| Marquis of Londonderry, British statesman, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs after 1812, one of the key players in the great coalition against Napoleon. He represented Britain at the Congresses of Vienna in 1814 and Paris 1815. After some periods of mental instability, he committed suicide in 1822. Address panel written and signed by Castlereagh, dated March 3, 1817. Originally from a very old collection, the item comes with c. 19th century handwritten quotes concerning Castlereagh from Napoleon, Byron, Lady Stanhope and Catherine Hatton. Unique and appealing. $350.00 | |||
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5. CHARLES V (1769-1822). | ||
| King of Spain (as Charles I) and Holy Roman Emperor. He captured Rome in 1527 and made the Pope a prisoner. He defeated the Turks under Sulieman, and conquered the pirates of Tunis. As King of Spain, he sent Cortes and Pizarro to the New World to conquer the natives. Manuscript letter dated October 7, 1529, to his Viceroy in Naples, the Prince of Orange, concerning Diego Somiento. Document in fair condition, but signature large and fine. $2500.00 | |||
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6. Duke CHARLES V of LORRAINE (1643-1690). | ||
| Soldier for the Holy Roman Empire, while for most of his life his titular domain was under the control of France, serving with distinction for many years. Manuscript document in French, dated 1678, set on the reverse with a lovely impression of Charles’ seal in black wax. Boldly signed by him Duc de Lorraine. $500.00 | |||
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7. VENANCIO FLORES (? -1868). | ||
| Uruguayan statesman and soldier. Made himself President of Uruguay after leading insurrections 1854-1855 and 1865-1868. Assassinated shortly after resigning during a revolution led by his sons. Note in Spanish written and signed by Flores, acknowledging a gift. Signed “Veno Flores.” Translation and a small albumen portrait photograph included. Autograph material from such early Latin American leaders is extremely rare. $130.00 | |||
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8. INDIRA GANDHI (1917-1984). | ||
| First (and so far only) female Prime Minister of India, daughter of Indian Independence leader and first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Assassinated by two Sikh separatists among her own bodyguards. Signature on official card, dated 1971. With the original envelope bearing Indian stamps and postmarks, and the cover letter from Gandhi’s private secretary. $245.00 | |||
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9. GEORGE (AUGUSTUS) II (1683-1760). | ||
| King of Great Britain, only son of George I. At odds with his father most of his adult life, including establishing a rival court of his own in 1718. Reconciled with George I through the mediation of Prime Minister Walpole in 1720. Ascended to the throne upon his father’s death in 1727. Portion of a larger document, in German, dated 1738, and signed “George R” as king. $485.00 | |||
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10. GEORGE (AUGUSTUS FREDERICK) IV (1762-1830). | ||
| King of Great Britain, eldest son of George III. In 1811, when George III’s mental instability prevented him from fulfilling his duties, George IV (then Prince of Wales) was appointed Prince Regent, ruling in his father’s name. He ascended the throne as George IV upon the death of George III in 1820. Vellum commission document appointing Charles Finch as Paymaster to the 2nd Battalion of the 12th East Suffolk Regiment, dated February 13, 1812, during the Napoleonic Wars. Signed “George PR” as Prince Regent. Set with two wax and paper seals. $325.00 | |||
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11. GEORGE VI (1895-1952). | ||
| King of England. Document signed as King, dated December 4, 1948, appointing Herbert Edward Parkes as a member of the Railway Rates Tribunal. Signed by George VI to the right of a large red Royal Seal. $575.00 | |||
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12. EARL OF GODOLPHIN (?-1712). | ||
| Distinguished English statesman, Lord High Treasurer of Queen Anne, friend and political ally of the Duke of Marlborough. Well-respected for his modesty, honesty, and competence. Portion of a manuscript document dated 1709, signed “Godolphin” as Lord High Treasurer. $145.00 | |||
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13. CHARLES de LAMETH (1757-1832). | ||
| French Count, Revolutionary and General, he served under Rochambeau during the American Revolution and was present at the Battle of Yorktown. He served as a General of Brigade under Napoleon. Two-page manuscript document, dated 1813 and signed “le General Charles de Lameth.” $295.00 | |||
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14. ROBERT BANKS JENKINS, 2nd EARL of LIVERPOOL (1770-1828). | ||
| Longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1812-1827). He was known for the introduction of repressive measures to maintain order during the period of unrest that followed the Napoleonic Wars. The Congress of Vienna, the Corn Laws issue, and the Peterloo Massacre all occurred during his tenure. Address panel in Liverpool’s hand, addressed to James Townsend and dated June 9, 1820. Signed, while Prime Minister, “Liverpool.” Hinged to what appears to be a memoir page of Liverpool's, concerning the Corn Laws. $190.00 | |||
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15. FRANCOIS de BARBÉ MARBOIS (1745-1837). | ||
| French statesman and author, Consul-General to the US 1780. His fortunes varied during the French Revolution, at one point being elected to he Council of Elders only to be deported to Guiana by the Directory. Later appointed Minister of Finance by Napoleon, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the United States overnight. French Treasury Ministry document dated according to the French Revolutionary Calendar 30 Pluviose of the year 12 (February 20, 1804), just a few months after the Louisiana Purchase agreement was reached. Addressed to Robert Livingston, US Minister to France, asking him to forward a letter to future president James Monroe, who was in England at the time. Monroe and Livingston had represented the US in the negotiations over the Louisiana Purchase, while Marbois represented France. A great document, mentioning both US negotiators, and signed by the French negotiator, for the most significant (and peaceful) land expansion in American history. $800.00 | |||
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16. FRANCOIS de BARBÉ MARBOIS (1745-1837). | ||
| French statesman and author, Consul-General to the US 1780. His fortunes varied during the French Revolution, at one point being elected to he Council of Elders only to be deported to Guiana by the Directory. Later appointed Minister of Finance by Napoleon, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. Partially printed document, in French, on Ministry of the Public Treasury paper. Dated according to the French Revolutionary calendar, 9 Germinal of the year 10 (March 30, 1802). Signed “Barbé Marbois” as Minister. $245.00 | |||
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17. GEORGE SPENCER, 4th DUKE of MARLBOROUGH (1739-1817). | ||
| British nobleman, Lord Chamberlain and member of the Privy Council for King George III. An amateur astronomer, he had a small observatory built at the family residence of Blenheim Palace. Partially printed vellum document making Thomas Hoard a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, of which Marlborough was Lord-Lieutenant. Signed “Marlborough” and retaining most of the Duke’s red wax seal. Dated June 19, 1766. $185.00 | |||
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18. FERDINAND MARCOS (1917-1989). | ||
| Long-serving Philippine President and strongman, eventually toppled in a massive show of “people power” in 1986. His rule was notable for massive corruption and a strong authoritarian policy. Trimmed typed letter and clipped autograph, dated May 27, 1983, on Presidential stationery, forwarding his signature. Including the signature on the letter, this lot comprises two autographs. $155.00 SOLD | |||
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19. WILLIAM LAMB, 2nd VISCOUNT MELBOURNE (1779-1849) | ||
| Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1834-1841. He was Prime Minister when Queen Victoria ascended the throne, and quickly became her political mentor as she broke free of the controlling influence of her mother and advisors. Melbourne, Australia, was named for him when it was founded in 1837. Address panel entirely in Melbourne’s hand, Marked “Private” and addressed to “The Countess Stanhope,” probably Anne Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield (1802-1885). Signed “Melbourne.” $145.00 | |||
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20. LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900-1979). | ||
| British Admiral, First Sea Lord, last British Viceroy of India. He was assassinated by the Provisional IRA, who planted a bomb on his boat. Letter from a Mounbatten aide, Captain RV Brockman, declining a request for a signed photo of Mountbatten but forwarding an autograph (included). $150.00 SOLD | |||
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21. HENRY VISCOUNT PALMERSTON (1784-1865). | ||
| Popular and effective British Prime Minister. Among the challenges of his tenure were the American Civil War and the important British decision not to recognize the Confederacy. Manuscript official document, dated December 23, 1812, authorizing full back pay for officers of the 97th Regiment of Foot, who had been entitled to it during a period of reduction (1797-1802). Signed “Palmerston” as Secretary at War. A great Napoleonic Wars document, with a strong signature. $150.00 | |||
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22. Louis-Philippe I, King of the French (1773-1850). | ||
| Formerly duc d'Orléans, and son of “Philippe Égalité.” Despite his aristocratic background, he enthusiastically embraced the French Revolution. He got entangled in the treason of General Dumouriez, and fled into exile in 1793. Despite his forced absence, he never aided France’s enemies during the years of war that followed. He returned with the Bourbon Restoration, and in the ensuing upheaval, he was chosen (with the support of Lafayette) “King of the French” in 1830. At first very popular as the unassuming “Citizen King,” his increasing conservatism helped spark the 1848 revolution in France, which resulted in his abdication and the creation of a Second Republic. He died a few years later. Manuscript official letter, in French (not translated), dated November 11, 1820, at the Palais Royale. Boldly signed “Louis Philippe D’Orleans.” Excellent condition. A great artifact from a fascinating French monarch. $285.00 | |||
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23. POPE GREGORY XVI (1765-1846). | ||
| Born Mauro Capellari, he was elected Pope in 1831. As a Cardinal, he had conducted Pope Pius VIII’s negotiations with the Kingdom of Prussia. Document written entirely in Gregory XVI’s hand from the Quirinal of 1839, while he was Pope. Attested to by a Vatican Jesuit and set with a red wax seal. Not signed. $850.00 | |||
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24. Louis Phillipe D’Orleans, Duc DE’Orleans. | ||
| French nobleman and soldier, he married Louise Henriette de Bourbon-Conti. As a soldier, he distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession, particularly at the pivotal Battle of Fontenoy. Partial manuscript document, in French, with a very old collection tag attached. Boldly signed “L Phil de’Orleans.” $650.00 | |||
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25. KING PHILIP II of Spain (1527-1598). | ||
| King of Spain, developed the Inquisition, involved his country in numerous wars. Manuscript note, unsigned but entirely in Philip's hand, in Spanish. Not signed. $250.00 | |||
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26. KING PHILIP IV of Spain (1605-1655). | ||
| King of Spain and the Spanish Netherlands. Also King of Portugal (as Philip II) until 1640. Patron of the great Spanish painter Diego Velázquez. Manuscript letter in Spanish, with translation, dated April 20, 1665, only a few months before his death after a reign of 44 years. The letter is addressed to the Governor of Milan, and concerns a legal settlement relating to Juan Francisco Dandelot and his brothers. Boldly signed by Philip as King. Excellent condition for a 350+ year old document. A great piece of Spanish history. $950.00 | |||
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27. JOHN REED (1887-1920). | ||
| American writer and revolutionary. One of only handful of Western eyewitnesses to the Russian Revolution, he wrote Ten Days That Shook the World, a work that even Lenin considered the best single account of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. He was a friend of Lenin and many other Russian Revolutionary leaders, and is the only American buried in the Kremlin wall. Letter written signed by Reed with pencil on cheep brown paper, with some border chipping affecting a few words. Professionally de-acidified and archivally backed. Addressed to Jack Carney, probably the fellow traveler and Minnesota member of the permanent Labor Committee of the National Association of the Left Wing. Reed wrote this note from a New York courtroom, but whether he was on trial is unclear. It is likely from one of the sedition trials of Max Eastman, editor of The Masses, for which Reed often wrote. He mentions that he is writing in the courtroom while awaiting the jury to return a verdict. “My guess is guilty” he opines, as well as noting that “Max made a wonderful revolutionary speech. Nothing like it has been heard in a court. It will stick – never fear.” A great and very rare find. Reed died of Typhus in Russia at the young age of 33, so his autograph material is very hard to come by, particularly with great period revolutionary content such as this. $1800.00 | |||
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28. LORD JOHN RUSSELL (1792-1878). | ||
| English Whig and Liberal politician who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century, and gave the latter party its name. 3-page autograph letter dated June 24, 1832, entirely in Russell’s hand and signed by him “J Russell.” Political content recognizing a friend for their support and use of “influence.” 1832 was a significant year for Russell. While a member of Earl Grey’s cabinet, he was a chief proponent of the Reform Act of 1832, and this letter may relate to that momentous legislation. $145.00 | |||
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29. (UNITED NATIONS). | ||
| Original early UN document. Press release of the United Nations Information Office dated March 30, 1945, before the end of World War Two, listing those states that have signed the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” Forty-seven countries are listed, with three more added by hand – Argentina, Ukraine and White Russia. Argentina had just entered the war after spending most of it as a neutral nation, but Ukraine and “White Russia” were claimed by the USSR, an American ally! Interestingly, special mention is made of Denmark as country that should be added to the list “for they are fighting on the common team against the common enemies,” although their government is still in captivity. Rare and early UN item. $650.00 | |||
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30. QUEEN VICTORIA (1819-1901). | ||
| Queen of England during the height of the colonial glory of the British Empire. Her extraordinarily long and eventful reign of over 63 years made her the longest reigning British monarch, and lent her name to the age she lived in. Officer’s commission for the Scottish militia, making Alfred Austin a major and regimental commandant for the Argyll and Bute Battery of Artillery. Dated August 7, 1869, signed on the front “Victoria R.” A nice example, and earlier then most we've seen. $575.00 | |||
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31. QUEEN VICTORIA (1819-1901). | ||
| Queen of England during the height of the colonial glory of the British Empire. Her extraordinarily long and eventful reign of over 63 years made her the longest reigning British monarch, and lent her name to the age she lived in. Officer’s commission on vellum making James Stuart a 1st Lieutenant in the prestigious Rifle Brigade. Dated November 4, 1848. Set with multiple intact seals and stamps, and signed on the front “Victoria R.” A very nice early example. (Please note – the document is fully intact. The size limitation of the scanning bed results in a truncated image.) $625.00 | |||
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32. SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY (1769-1852). | ||
| British General and Statesman, Chief Secretary for Ireland 1807-1809. Made Duke of Wellington in 1814 for his victories against Napoleon’s armies. Letter written and signed by Wellesley, dated February 25, 1806, forwarding a group of letters intended to help the friend of the recipient in his military career and in “introducing him into good society.” Interesting item from Wellington’s early career, signed “Arthur Wellesley.” $700.00 | |||
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33. DUKE OF WELLINGTON (1769-1852). | ||
| British General, gained fame and his title fighting Napoleon’s armies in Spain, defeated Napoleon himself at Waterloo. Later, Prime Minister of Great Britain. Letter written and signed by Wellington to Sir Charles Stuart (1779-1845), British statesman and one of the ablest diplomats of his day. The letter is dated May 6th, 1815, and concerns the transfer of a million rounds of “musquet ammunition” to the Fortress at Maestricht, “to provide for any possible occurrence,” with Stuart to secure the necessary authorization from the Dutch government. An especially interesting Wellington letter, written as it was during the Waterloo campaign, about a month before the battle, and showing as it does Wellington’s strategic thinking as he tries to anticipate Napoleon’s next move. Very rare. $2500.00 SOLD | |||
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34. DUKE OF WELLINGTON (1769-1852). | ||
| British General, gained fame and his title fighting Napoleon’s armies in Spain, defeated Napoleon himself at Waterloo. Later, Prime Minister of Great Britain. Letter with integral cover, dated June 27, 1834. Addressed in Wellington’s own hand to Mr. Joshua Bing. The note is written by Wellington in the third-person, and concerns a letter written by Bing that Wellington has agreed to pass on to the King. Signed in the body of the text “The Duke of Wellington.” Includes fine intact example of Wellington’s red wax seal. $295.00 | |||
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35. DUKE OF WELLINGTON (1769-1852). | ||
| British General, gained fame and his title fighting Napoleon’s armies in Spain, defeated Napoleon himself at Waterloo. Later, Prime Minister of Great Britain. Excellent four-page letter written and signed by Wellington, dated August 20, 1826. The letter is addressed to GENERAL SIR JOHN MALCOLM (1769-1833), British soldier and historian who spent much of his career in Persia and India. The letter concerns Sir John’s brother ADMIRAL SIR PULTENEY MALCOLM (1768-1838), who fought the French during the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It was he who escorted Wellington’s army to Portugal in 1808. Later, he commanded the St. Helena station, where the Emperor Napoleon had been exiled. Wellington is explaining the limits to his ability to get the Admiral promoted to commander of the Mediterranean Squadron – at the time, Wellington was serving as Master-General of the Ordnance with a seat in the Cabinet. Fine condition, and a nice military/political letter. Complete transcription provided. $375.00 | |||
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36. WILLIAM I of WŰRTTEMBERG (1781-1864). | ||
| Son of Frederick I, whom he succeeded as King of Württemberg in 1816. As Crown Prince, he led his Kingdom’s contingent in Napoleon’s Grand Armee during the catastrophic invasion of Russia in 1812. Signature as king on paper, cut from a document. $165.00 | |||
